• Elva Adventures: Athens, GA

    After an impromptu conversation at February's Summit (an amazing gathering held annually at Sea Island by my favorite peeps at The Southern Coterie) an event was in the works, bringing together art, interiors, fashion, and fun with fellow attendees Breckyn Alexander of BMA At Home, Stacy Smallwood of Hampden Clothing, and Cheri Leavy, co-founder of The Southern C.

    A Spring Pop-Up Shop was such a fun way to kick off this sunny season ahead, and a road trip to Athens, Georgia proved to be just the thing to start April with a smile. Thanks to a tip from another Southern C gal (who is amazing!) we booked this adorable and charming cottage for a few days that was within walking distance of all the goodness the neighborhood of Five Points had to offer.

     

    The event was held at Breckyn's beautiful shop, BMA At Home, that is full of beauty. From original paintings and tribal textiles to patterned pillows and vintage furniture, every room had us swooning. She has such an amazing eye for color, texture, and style...and even has a feature coming out in Better Homes and Gardens this fall! (So we're clearly not the only ones who think so!)



     

    Hampden's beautiful clothes and accessories filled the shop (and adjoining gallery of the incredibly-talented Hannah Betzel, also a Summit alum) with stylish and delightful designs, and we loved the juxtaposition of fashion with Hannah's wonderful work.






    It was certainly not all-work-and-no-play, and dinner with a gorgeous group of women at LRG Provisions was such a fun celebration of collaboration and creativity. (I was not sad about the okra, either.)


    A counter lunch at ADD Drug was amazing, chocolate milkshake and onion rings and all. (Also, when was the last time you saw Tab on the drink menu?! And props to Mayfield Milk, a favorite since my childhood summer camp days.) Lots to love here.


    I started every morning of my trip with a tea latte from Jittery Joe's and deliciousness from Independent Baking. (Athens locals insisted I order the Morning Roll, a house version of the cinnamon roll that combines two of my favorite pastries in one, and they were right on.)  I'd move next door just for the bread-baking smell every morning.


    Other highlights: the best little bookstore, delicious local brews on a pub patio, and blooming wisteria along sidewalks and brick-lined alleys. It was such a fun little adventure in Athens, and I can't wait for the next!

    Posted by Emily Maynard